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LIFE AT HARVARD A 
CENTURY AGO 



As Illustrated by the Letters and Papers of Stephen 

Salisbury, Class of 1817 

'I 



BY 



BENJAMIN THOMAS HILL 



Rbipbinted fbom Pboceedings of the American Antiquarian Society 
AT THE Semi-Annual, Meettng, Apbh., 1910. 



WORCESTER, MASS., U. S. A. 

THE DAVIS PRESS 

44 FRONT STREET 

1910 



f 



^^^ 



IN EXC-' *t 



► JUL 15 -H (i 



\ 



\ 



LIFE AT HAKVARD A CENTURY AGO 

As Illustrated by the Letters and Papers of 
Stephen Salisbury, Class of 1817. 



In the collection of the manuscripts of the Salisbury 
family, which has come into the possession of the Society, 
is one series of letters which are of especial interest as show- 
ing in some measure the college life and customs at Harvard 
a century ago: — the correspondence between the second 
Stephen Salisbury and his parents during his college course, 
from 1813 to 1817. 

After two years of preparation at Leicester Academy, 
Stephen Salisbury entered college in the fall of 1813, when 
he was fifteen years old. 

There was a little group of six buildings at Harvard at 
that time: — Harvard Hall, containing the college library 
of 15,000 volumes; Holden Chapel; and the four dormitories, 
Massachusetts, Hollis, Stoughton and Holworthy, the latter 
built in 1812, from the proceeds of a lottery. University 
Hall, completed in 1814, contained four dining halls for 
the college commons on the ground floor, with two kitchens 
beneath, six lecture rooms on the second floor, and a chapel 
above. 

In the faculty were thirteen professors, including those 
of medicine and divinity; four tutors, of whom Edward 
Everett was one ; and an instructor in rhetoric and oratory, 
and one in. French. There were also thirteen resident 
graduates. Of the 301 undergraduates, 86 were in the 
freshman class, which numbered among its members George 
Bancroft, Caleb Cushing, Samuel A. Eliot, George B. Emer- 
son, Samuel J. May and Stephen H. Tyng. 



There was little of college life as we know it now. The 
diversity of outside interests and amusements of the present 
day was wanting; and the students were kept under as 
strict surveillance by the authorities as they are now in 
most of the preparatory schools. Organized athletics and 
games were unknown, and the chief forms of exercise were 
walking and riding. An item in young Salisbury's accounts 
in his freshman year shows that he paid six cents for a 
■football; and his father writes "Your Scates shall be sent 
you but you must not scate on any Ponds or Rivers nor 
neglect your studies for any Amusements''; while his 
mother implores him to skip rope in his room when it is 
too stormy to take his customary walk. In his junior year 
he belonged to the college military company, and took 
lessons in dancing. 

There is no mention of his being a member of any society, 
nor does he appear to have mixed much with the other 
students nor to have had many intimate friends. He 
lived outside the college, at Captain Luther Dana's, where 
were four of his classmates: — George Bancroft, with whom 
he roomed, John L. Payson, Joseph Ray and Samuel Soley, 
and one sophomore, Charles Hammond. 

There are nearly three hundred letters in the collection. 
As the following extracts show, they dealt largely with his 
daily routine life, his studies and his health. He was as 
much under the influence and control of his parents as if 
he had lived at home. His dress was prescribed, his actions 
and conduct determined and an accurate account of all 
his expenses required. 

In reading these family letters, it should be borne in 
mind, not only that college discipline and methods have 
greatly changed, but also that this college student was a 
boy of but fifteen years, who had practically never been 
away from home before. . That he was not lavishly supplied 
with spending money, and that he was held strictly to 
account for every penny, are indications not of parsimony 
but of thrift, and a purpose that he should learn frugality 
and exactness in all money matters. There is abundant 
evidence (to cite but a single illustration, in the bills for his 



commencement dinner, at the end of this paper) that upon 
occasion money was liberally supplied. 

The first letters are from Leicester, and relate to his 
entrance examinations at Cambridge. 



Leicester July 17**^ 1813 
Dear Mother 

Will you please to send me my Greek Majora (not 
Minora) (which I believe you can get at M^ TrumbulFs), 
and my atlass and the second volume of Websters mathe- 
matics which I left in the book closet I think last monday, 
which was the second day I wore them, I burst my silk 
pantaloons on each side of the seat, in runing; and therefore 
I have sent them home. I saw Uncle William in the stage 
the other day. give my duty to my Father and love to my 
friends. Your dutifull Son S Salisbury jr 



Leicester August 1813 
Dear Mother / 

I delayed writing to you, because I expected to be 
ezamined by M*" Nurse this afternoon, in the books which 
are required at college,^ but as he is gone away this afternoon, 
it will be put off till monday; M'' Clark and M*" Nurse both 
think I can enter. I should like to come home a week from 
next Saturday, which is the week before exhibition. M*" 
Clark says I fail the most in writing latin, because I have 
not atended to it before, but by a little practise I shall get 
so as to write well. I sent my vest in a silk pockethand- 
kercheif by M^ Stearns, give my duty to father. I remain 
your dutifull Son 

Stephen Salisbury J"" 

^ Terms of admission to the Freshman or Lowest Class. — 
Every person admitted, must be thoroughly acquainted with the Grammar of the 
Latin and Greek languages, and with the following books, viz. Dalzel's Collectanea 
Graeca Minora, the Greek Testament, Virgil, Sallust, Cicero's Select Orations, and with 
the following rules of Arithmetic, viz. Notation, Simple and Compound Addition, 
Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division, Reduction, and the Single Rule of Three. 
He must be able to translate English into Latin correctly. 

' In 1815. - Ancient and Modern Geography. And in 1816. - The whole of Arith- 
metic will be required in the addition to above. 



6 

Dear Stephen Worcester Ocf 14 1813 

. I have sent you this day by M*" Paul Gates the Sulkey 
Bagg Cont^ a Bagg with 5 VoP Millet History - and the Art 
of Speaking - a Box of Wafers & a Bundle of Stockings - 
Also your Hatt — 

When ever you send up your Clothes or any thing else 
you will first put them in the inside Bagg & Tye that Bagg 
up & put them into the Sulkey Bagg Remembering to tye 
up the Strings & Buckle every Strap that belongs to the 
Sulkey Bagg, that nothing may be lost out on the Wagon 
procure the Laws of the College, Study them often 
& obey them — Attend to your Studies -and conduct 
yourself in such a Manner, as to meritt a Good name, as a 
Scholar and for good behaviour - be Cauteous in the Chose 
of your intimate Acquaintance, be civil to all, but intimate 
with few — I am dear Stephen — Your Affectionate father 

Stephen Salisbury 



Dear Mother 

I am disapointed in not receiving a letter from you. 
Mama I have a request to make you know my room is 
on the lower floor so that every body that goes by can see 
what we are about, for instance, Saturday Uncle Edward 
rode out to see me, and as he did not wish to get off he rode 
up to the window and looked in and when he saw me there, 
he rapped on the window for me to come out ; also my clas- 
mates when they want our company in a walk, have only 
to stand before the house and look and see whether we are 
there, and then call to us; therefore I should be much obliged 
to you if you would send me four short curtains, such as 
I have no doubt you have seen, which are put on a little 
below the midle of the window, I should like to have them 
made with rings so as to draw. Mama will you please to 
send me a little more money, I have spent all that I had 
except one dollar and 6 cents. Please to give my duty to 
my father. I must get my lesson for I must go in, in half 
an hour. Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury Jr 



Cambridge Oct 27 1813 
Dear Mother 

I received my first quarter bill the other day which 
was $23, and 82 cts, 10$ of which Papa paid in advance, 
when he gave my bond. My time passes a great deal pleas- 
anter than I expected. * * * As it is after ten I must look 
over my lesson and go to bed, for I have to recite before 
breakfast. I have not received my bundle yet. Good 
night. Friday morn. I have just received my bundle; 
I was much disappointed in not receiving my curtains; 
for I cannot do without them for when we are dressing, 
nothing hinders people who are going by from looking in 
upon us; not only that but saucy young fellows, going by, 
first look in to see whether there [are those] within strong 
enough to oppose them if there are not they strike on the 
window to frighten us and almost push it in now if we had 
curtains they would not know how large we were ; and then 
we could go to the window and drive [them] of and curtains 
two feet from the bottom of the window could not darken 
the room much, will you please to send me 13 dollars and 
82 cents to pay my bill. Mama will you please to send me 
some apples and nuts, please to give my duty to my Father. 

Your dutiful son, 

Stephen Salisbury, Jr. 



The quarter bill and the bond which was required ot 
every student upon matriculation, follow. 

Stephen Salisbury 

To the PRESIDENT & FELLOWS of Harvard College Dr. 

To his first Quarter Bill, ending Sept" 30, 1813 
Interest to be paid if not discharged within 

- ' three months DOLLS. CENTS 

Steward and Commons ------ 2. 50 

Sizings ----------- 

Study and Cellar Rent ----- 

Instruction -------- n. 

Librarian --------- 



8 

Natural History ------- 

Medical Instruction ------ 

Episcopal Church ------ 

Books ---------- 9. 48 

Catalogue and Commencement Dinner 44 

Repairs and Fewel ------ 36 

Sweepers and Sand ------ 4 

Assessments for delinquency in payment 
of Quarter Bills ------ 

Wood ---------- 

Fines ---------- 



23. 82 



Credit by Cash in advance 10 



13. 82 

Nov" 20 1813 Rec^ payment 

Caleb Gannett Coll Steward. 



KNOW All Men by These Presents, 

That we, Stephen Salisbury of Worcester in the County 
of Worcester, and Josiah Salisbury of Boston in the County 
of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Merchants 

are holden and firmly bound and obliged to the President 
and Fellows of HARVARD COLLEGE in the sum of 
two hundred ounces of silver,^ to be paid unto the said 
President and Fellows of Harvard College ; to the which 
payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, 
our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and 
severally, firmly by these presents. 
Sealed with our seals this Twenty second day of <Sep- 
tember Annoque Domini 1815. 



^ During the War of 1812, when silver was more valuable than gold, it was com- 
mon for payments to be agreed upon in "ounces of silver," and its value being 
estimated in cash, payment was made by check. 



9 

The condition of this present obligation is such, 

That if the above-bounden Stephen SaUsbury & Josiah 
SaUsbury 

their heirs, executors, and administrators, or either 
of them, shall once every quarter of a year well and 
truly pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said President 
and Fellows of Harvard College, or such person or 
persons as that Corporation shall appoint to receive 
the same, the whole of such sum or sums of money as 
shall become due from Stephen Salisbury Jun' a minor, 
and one of the students of the said College, and shall 
be duly and regularly charged to him in his quarter 
bills, or otherwise, according to the laws and customs 
of the said College; together with such sum as may be 
assessed upon him by the President and Tutors, to 
repair his chamber or study, should any damage be 
done to them during the commencement season, when 
he shall take his degree; then this obligation shall be 
void and of none effect, or else shall stand and remain 
in full force and virtue. 

Stephen Salisbury (seal) 
Signed, sealed and delivered 

Josiah Salisbury (seal) 
in presence of 

Daniel Scott Jun*" 

Milton Johnson 



Cambridge Oct 
Dear Mother 

this morning when I was in at prayers^ M'' Gates left 
your letter and the pail. I get along a good deal better in 



' All persons, of whatever degree, residing at the College, and all Undergraduates, 
whether dwelling in the College, or in the town, shall constantly and seasonably attend 
the worship of God in the chapel, morning and evening; and, if any Undergraduate 
come to Prayers after the exercises are begun, he shall be fined two cents: and if he 
shall be absent from Prayers without sufficient reason, he shall be fined three cents 
for every such neglect. And if any Undergraduate shall be remarkable for frequent 
tardiness, or absence from the religious exercises of the chapel, the President after 
particular enquiry into the reasons of this neglect, judging them insufficient, shall 



10 

my studies than I did at first, my teeth do not trouble me at 
all except sometimes when I am out in the cold air. Satur- 
day as I was going out of Boston I met M' Walter Channing 
Lady and Daughters but as they did not recognize me I 
did not speak to them. M'"^ Dana is getting better slowly 
I like very much except that it is directly over M" Dana's 
room and if I make the least noise, such as cracking a nut, 
it disturbs her; I much prefer living alone to living with 
a chum, last week you forgot to send me a towel and I 
thinking there were more in the draw sent home the one 
I was using, so I had to borrow one of M^® Giddings. I 
have got another quarter bill and no fines yet. I shall 
enclose this in a letter to Papa. 



With the pail 


Your dutiful Son 


containing 


Stephen Salisbury P 


1 night shirt 




1 flannel waistcoat 




3 shirts 




4 p*" stockings 




1 vests 




2 cravats 




4 handkerchiefs 




1 head do 





give him a private admonition; if he persist in his neglect, he shall be admonished by 
the President, Professors and Tutors. And if he do not reform, he shall be degraded, 
suspended, or rusticated, according to the continuance of the offence. 

********** 

If any Undergraduate shall be guilty of indecent or irreverent behaviour at Prayers, 
or of any disorderly conduct immediately before or after Prayers in the Chapel, he 
shall be fined a sum not exceeding one dollar, or shall be liable to admonition, degra- 
dation, suspension, or rustication, according to the aggravation of the offence. 
********** 

If any Scholar shall be absent from the public worship on either part of the Lord's 
Day, or upon public Fasts and Thanksgivings, without offering a sufficient reason, 
before the ringing of the second bell, if the case will allow it, to the President or one 
of the Tutors, he shall be fined thirty-three cents. And if any Scholar shall come to 
public worship after the exercise is begun, he shall be fined not exceeding eleven cents. 
And if any one shall be remarkable for frequent absence from public worship, he shall 
be liable to the sam.e punishment as one, who is remarkable for frequent absence from 
the religious exercises of the Chapel. And whoever shall be guilty of irreverent or 
indecent behaviour at public worship, or without sufficient reason go out at the time 
of public worship, shall be fined not exceeding one dollar, or shall be punished by 
admonition, degradation, suspension, or rustication, according to the aggravation 
of the offence. 



11 

Worcester 3d Nov' 1813 
My dear Child, 

You are still I find, very desirous of having Curtains 
to your Windows, & did I know that you would be accomo- 
dated by them as you expect, I would indulge you, but I 
can hardly suppose it, those who would intrude on you at 
improper seasons, & otherwise behave improperly, would 
still do so tho' you had Curtains. Could they not look thr'o 
or over them? I last week rec'd a letter from your Uncle 
Edward, he inform'd me he had been to see you three times, 
that you appeared quite well, and was occupied as could 
be wished, this was very welcome news to me, & I wish 
my dear that you should always be in a situation to be seen 
by any who may call, which you certainly will if you are 
in the path of duty, do not I entreat you let triffling and 
Childish pursuits take your time and attention from your 
studies, and so be obliged, to get your lesson at a late hour, 
that would be foolish conduct & I hope you will avoid it. 
I hope you had your Hair Cut some of these fine warm days 
we have had, & that you dont fail to comb and brush your 
hair ev'ry day. if it has not yet been cut take some fine 
day and do not have it cut very short, do not neglect your 
teeth, if you do they will be the worse for what has been 
done to them, clean them ev'ry day I charge you. keep 
yourself clean & neat, it is not incompatible with your duties, 
nor unbecoming in the Scholar, be assured. 

Your affectionate mother 

E Salisbur}\ 



S. S. Jun*" Acct of Pocket t Expences 
Sept 30 to Nov 28 1813 
Spent bro* from $14.12 

for crape .25 

biscuit .02 

apples to teamster. . . .25 

Nov 30 Am* of Cash G Bell .06 

Rec^ 21.70 Gingerbread .04 

Cuting hair .18 



12 



Book 



omission 



GBell. 
. • biscuit 
$13.67 Ray.. 



1 . 30 pears 

$14.97 Cake 

cake 

Sam^ Salisbury tea. 
stages 



S S Jun^ New Account for 
Cash on hand 0.99 

due from G Bancroft . 56 



Cash did him 



Nov 28 



1.55 



10.00 



chesnuts . . . 
foot ball . . . 

biscuit 

chesnuts . . . 
gingerbread. 
G Bell 



Gingerbread 

Hoarhound candy 
stages 



Book 19.58 

Lent Bancroft .... 1 . 02 

lent Gustavus 25 

LentTyng 25 

measuring wood. . . 3 



sealing wax. 

Cake 

Oysters. . . . 

Cake 

pears 



21. 13 pd uncle Gustavus. . 

stages 

fare to Worcester 

Cake 

fare to Framingham $1.50. Break- 
fast .50 Horse to Boston 20 Cent 
Toll 11^ 

fare to Framingham 



.03 

01 

^ 

$14.97 
.02 

.06 
.03 
.12 
.50 

0.73 
.12 
.06 
.02 
.02 
.04 
.03 

.06 

.12 

^ 

0.97 
.12 
.04 
.07 
.03 
.04 

.25 

.50 

1.00 

.10 



2.31 

4.46 
.50 

21.13 



13 

Cambridge Dec' 9*^ 1813 
Dear Mother 

I have just received my bundle by M' G. I am very 
sorry to find my clothes wet through and through, but I 
will take care to air them well. Yesterday we were excused 
to go in to M'' Francis Parkman's* ordination, I went in 
to see it ; M'" Channing preached and really excelled himself, 
D' Kirkland made the ordaining prayer, and Uncle Joseph 
gave the right hand of fellowship. Mamma, I was mistaken, 
we don't receive our next quarter bill until the beginning 
of next term, mamma will you please to tell Eliza I have 
not received her letter. Give my duty to my father 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury Jr 



Worcester, Feb^ 14, 1814 
My dear son — 

I rec^ your Letter by M"* Heywood which you say you 
wrote at my request - why then not inform me, when you 
arrived at your Grandfathers - whether you had a pleasant 
time down how you found your Grandfather & other friends 
as to their health - whether they appeared Glad to see you 
- how long you staid with them - when you went to Cam- 
bridge, how you was received there, what Occationed your 
Call to Boston so soon after you left it - &c - dear Stephen 
why will you not Endeavour to Anticipate the Wishes of 
your friends — You did not mention in your Letter of receiv- 
ing your Trunk by M' Gates - though you return^ the matt 
that was round it in the Sulkey Baggs, which came up very 
wett - Whenever you receive a Letter a Bundle a Box or 
any other package, alway, in your Letter mention what 
you had received and in what order - And when you send 
any up Also mention what you have sent and by whom. 
My Dear Son as your future prospects depend upon 
your prosecuting your present Studies with fidelity - lose 
not the present time Neglect not a Lesson - Endeavour 
not to be behind any of your Class in a thorough knowledge 



■* Mr. Parkman was ordained over the New North Church. 



14 

of every Lesson required of you, and by your Close Applica- 
tion and good Conduct, may you merritt the Esteem and 

Approbation of all your Instructors With much solicitude 

for your Welfare I Remain 

Your Affectionate father 

Stephen Salisbury 



Expenses at College in the Term 
from Sept to December 1813 
To 12 Weeks board in Commons at 

Two Dollars & Eighty Cents $33 . 60 

To four months rent of Room 2 . 00 



$35.60 



Expenses at Capt. Dana's 
To 12 Weeks board at $3.50. $42 . 00 

To 4 months Room Rent 10.00 

Deduct 35.60 



Difference $16.40 

Worcester February 14*^ 1814 
Received Sixteen Dollars & forty Cents 
of Mr. Stephen Salisbury 

Aaron Bancroft 



Cambridge Feb^ 18*^ 1814 
Honored Father 

I have just received your kind letters by M"^ Gates. I 
arrived at Grandpas about five oclock tuesday night and 
staid there untill Wednesday afternoon I found Grandpapa 
much better than I expected he was then so well as to be 
able to walk about the house and since I have been so happy 
as to hear that he had got out, I found Uncle and Aunt 
Salisbury and as well as usual, when I got to Cambridge 
they were very kind to me and appeard glad to see me. 
I must confess sir that curiosity and to see my friends were 
my only motives for my going into town on Saturday. I am 



15 

very sorry that I was so careless as to omit acknowledgeing 
the receipt of my trunck which came in very good order. 
I am very much pleased with the pail you sent my clothes 
in. in this shall enclose a letter to my mother remember 
me to all my friends 

I am Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury J^ 



Cambridge 2V' Feb'y 1814 
My dear Son, 

Your letters were rec'd this morg. I am Grieved that 
you are so afflicted with the tooth-ache cannot you my dear 
collect courage sufficient to have the worst one extracted 
by Greenwood? if you could, I think you might obtain 
some relief. I am affraid you are careless of exposure, & 
in that way take cold, by all means avoid sitting or standing 
still after great exercise, such as snow-balling for instance. 

* * * * it delights me to have an oppertunity for com- 
mendation, be assured, and your letters rec'd to-day have 
afforded me one - they are wonderfully better than any you 
have before written, & with the exception of a few small 
mistakes, very well — persevere my Son, and I shall soon 
have letters I shall be proud of. 

* * * * . Your affectionate mother 

Elizabeth Salisbury. 

Will you accept of a little Gingerbread my Son? take 
care not to make your poor tooth ache. You had better 
cut but little of it at a time. 



Cambridge Feb^ 26**^ 
Dear Mother 

I received your letter by M*" Gates with my bundle, 
and the box of Cake, (which I am very much obliged to you 
for,) this afternoon. I dont think that I can wear my every 
day waistcoat more than a week or fortnight more at most ; 
for it has got most too bad to wear even in CoUedge. * * * 
we have to study pretty hard this term, my tooth aches 



16 

so often, that I dont mind it so much as though it ached 
more seldom. I fake so little exercise, that there is no 
danger of my taking cold, by suddenly cooling myself. 
I am very much pleased that my letters gave you pleasure, 
and I hope I shall better deserve your praises, please to 
give my duty to my father, and tell him I am happy to hear 
he is better, and shall write him next week, please to 
remember me to Eliza. I have got well of my cold. 

I am, your dutifull 

Son Stephen Salisbury J*" 



Cambridge March 24 
Dear Father 

I am sorry I am not able to write you oftener but the 
tutors keep us so busily employed there is hardly any time 
for ourselves, it is allowed they make us study harder 
than any class before; I fiiid Sir that now I have so much 
writing to do (for one day I have to translate latin into 
english and another english into latin and every day we 
have to do sums and set them down in a manuscript) I find 
I like it much better than I used to. *** will you please 
to send me down a little bottle of ink. 

I am Your obedient Son 

Stephen Salisbury J' 



Cambridge March 30 
Dear Mother 

Your letter with the pail I received by M'^ Gates before 
breakfast. I dont know how I can ever repay your kindness. 
I do not mean to wear that waistcoat untill the weather 
gets more warm. * * * last Saturday I went to dine at 
uncle Salisbury's and I felt very well except a toothache 
in the forenoon, but just as the fruit came on I was so faint 
that I could not stand, then I drank some wine and M"" John 
Leveret led me out into the air and I soon got over my 
faintness Uncle and Aunt were very kind to me and wanted 
me to stay there, but I thought I was able to get out to Cam- 



17 

bridge in the stage, the stage ^ had not gone out so I rode 

home and put my feet in water before I went to bed and when 

I got up Sunday morn I felt better, and then I dont know 

but I should have been sick had it not been for chum he 

said I was not any more sick than he was so when I saw he 

would not think I was sick I thought it was best to get over 

it as soon as possible. I have been perfectly well ever since. 
* * * * 

I am Your dutifull 

Son Stephen Salisbury J"" 



April 1814 
Dear Mother 

this morn when my letters came I was at prayers. I 
have had this week the honor of a visit from Uncle Joseph. 
I am pretty well except an ague which has hung on me for 
about three days, it takes me by starts, and sometimes 
for a minute or two it is very painful, when it is most painful 
the only thing I can do to ease it, is to lay that side of my 
face on the bed, and shut my mouth, it is said that the 
colledge government intend to prohibit us from going into 
town more than once a month. I am sorry. Mama, to ask 
again so soon for some more money, but there are two books 
I want, viz. Lempriere's dictionary and Mackays tables 
which will cost $5 certainly and perhaps more. I am very 
much pleased with my shoes. * * * * 

I am your dutiful 

Son Stephen Salisbury P 



Worcester April 20*^ 1814 
My dear Son, 

Last thursday I re'cd your letter, with the kit containing 
your cloaths.* * *You do not I hope use any hot things 
when you have the tooth-Ache. Your Uncle Salisbury & 
Aunt have been making us a visit, they left us on Monday 
after Dinner. Your Uncle mentioned that you Run when 



*The stage from Boston to Cambridge ran twice daily at 12 and 6 o'clock. 



18 

you should walk - you own'd that you run most of the way 
from Cambridge - now this is very wrong, as you must be 
sensible, violent exercise is not proper, but moderate, is 
exceedingly beneficial to health, will you remember this my 
dear? * * * * j want to see you my dear Child, write me 
how your health is, and always remember that I am your 
friend and Mother Elizabeth Salisbury. 

Your Father sends you $10, and says on giving it me - " I 
hope S. keeps his accounts correct" - 



Cambridge April 24 1814 
Honored Father 

I thought that now as I have got back to my room it 
would be proper for me to write how I am. I feel now as 
well if not better than I did before I was sick. Yesterday 
I dined at Uncle Salisbury's Uncle and Aunt are pretty well. 
Grandpapa when I left him he had a bad cold and headache, 
says he hopes to go to Worcester soon. I rode out in the 
stage yesterday. I dont at all like these east winds, will 
you please Sir to tell Mama I found that odd stocking she 
spoke of in the corner of my bag. I have heard that the 
procession of the W[ashington] B[enevolent] society will 
be very splendid this year, they will have more standards 
and more boys than they did last. Will you please Sir to 
send me my English Grammar and batting ball. I hope 
pape you will write me, I have been expecting one this great 
while. I received the ten dollars you sent me, and I am 
much obliged to you for it. I make out my accounts^ very 



* Stephen Salisbury Esquire to L. Dana - - _-_ _ _ Dr 

Board and Diet for your Son Stephen Student at CoUedge. 13 weeks between the 

10*1» Feby and 18*^ May @ $4.00 ------ $62.— 

19*^^ May 1814 - 

Received Payment in full 
Luther Dana. 

George Bancroft's expenses at College from 

February to May 1814. 
To 13i Weeks board in Commons at $2.73 

$36.85 
To rent of Room § year ___-____- 2 

38.85 



19 

as yet and hope I shall continue to do so. please to give 
my duty to my mother and love to Eliza. 
I am Sir ever Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury y 
F S I am a little homesick 
Sunday Eve 



Cambridge [June] 19**^ 1814 
Dear Mother 

yesterday I received your favor by M"^ Rice and he went 
directly so that I had no time to answer it. Next tuesday 
we have to be examined in all the studies we have been over 
the last year, the Corporation will be all day examining us, 
as it approaches I grow more courageous about it. I got 
my straw hat M" Powars charges one dollar and six cents 
for what she did to it, it is a fine one Mama and I am much 
obliged to you for it, it is much admired. The day of the 
solemn festival,^ the President said that all the students 
ought to attend, so we had but one exercise and that in the 
morning that day I went into town and attended church, 
the performances were extraordinary; I shall enclose you 
the order of exercises and the resolutions which were voted 
by the congregation. I am sorry that I have not a white 
waistcoat to wear examination. I should like, Mama, to 
have you send me some more of my money. I should like 
it very much if you could once in a while send me a little 
fruit, for there is very little in Cambridge. Give my respect 



To 13^ Weeks at Capt. Dana's at $4^ 

$54:00 
To Rent Room J year ________ iO:00 



64.00 
$64.00 
38.85 



$25.15 

Worcester June 2* 1814 
Received of Mr Stephen Salisbury Twen- 
ty five Dollars & fifteen Cents. 
Aaron Bancroft. 

^This was a thanksgiving service held at King's Chapel, after the receipt of the 
news of the first abdication of Bonaparte. 



20 

to my Father and tell him I intend to write him after Exam- 
ination, please to give my love to Eliza. 

from your dutiful son, Stephen Salisbury P 

PS I am in usual health 
Sunday eve. 

P S Respecting chumming I spoke to Samuel Sewal and 
he said he was engaged to Samuel May Bancroft has got 
a chum; for my part I am at a loss who to chum with; 
there are none in our Class I like well enough.® as soon as 
examination is over I intend to write you how I make out. 

Yours S 



Worcester 20th June 1814 
My dear Stephen, 

last eve'g we rec^d your cloaths by Mr. Rice, was sorry 
you had not a letter ready for him, there was not time, I 
am aware, to write after you saw him. I send you by Mr. 
Heywood some Cloaths, you will find amongst them a new 
waistcoat which is I think very handsome, and a black silk 
one, made of one of your fathers, which will do to wear 
accationally, it will not bear constant wear. I should think 
you might wear any of your coloured waistcoats a week, 
with care, the old loose gown will do, 'till I have time to 
make the new one. I had rather you should wear 3 shirts 
a week than not - those fine cambric neck cloaths are very 
pretty for Summer. Send by Mr. H. all you have dirty, not 
forgetting the bed Quilt, & Sheets. * * * * ^ay I hope 
& trust that you are Industrious & good? I am sure if you 
love me you will compel me to think so. 
Tuesday/ - this day at noon I rec'd your letter by Mail. 
I suppose this is your examination day - I am sorry a little, 
that you had not a handsome waist-coat for the occation, 
but I shall be very sorry if you tell me you did not do well, 
you. must write us all about it. with regard to a Chum, 
I would not have you anxious, nor hasty to decide, who 
has B. got? I hope you will observe the utmost propriety 



® College rooms were assigned to the students at the discretion of the faculty. 



21 

& decorum this ev'g, you must know I am thinking of the 
supper, you told you desir'd to make one at. I have sent 
your white pantaloons, you may like to wear them of a very 
hot Sabbath with your thin Coat & white socks, if you 
wish to appear well dress' d at any time wear white socks 
with your Nankin pantaloons. I would not have you wear 
those blue clouded socks in to Boston, they will do for * * * 
keep yourself neat, not forgetting the * * * soap - comb - 
& tooth brush. * * * * 

Your affectionate friend & Mother 

E Salisbury 



Cambridge June 23^^ 1814 
Honored Sir, 

Tuesday last, was our examination day I made out 
much better than I expected. H G Otis addressed us he 
being Chairman of the committee, he said, we had given 
good proof of our dilligence, and gave us very good advice, 
he told us that we should not wish to go to a better College 
as Oxford and Edinburgh until we were sure we had learnt 
perfectly all that could be learnt here. I went last Saturday 
to see the Launch^ but was disappointed, but yesterday in 
the afternoon as it was to be launched we had leave to go 
provided we would get a double lesson for the next recitation 
I went to see her again and she went off nicely, they fired 
twelve guns as a salute from the Constitution and they were 
answered by twelve from the navy yard. I have been 
expecting a letter from you and I am very sorry to be so 
disapointed, I hope I shall recieve one from you soon. I 
have but this sheet of letter paper, now therefore I shall 
write to Mama on the other side. I am Sir Your obedient 
Son Stephen Salisbury J*" 



Dear Mother 

This morn I recieved your letter by M"" Heywood he 
said he should be back very soon so I shant have time to 



* The laiinch of the frigate Inde'pendence. 



^ 22 

write much. * * * * you asked who Bancroft has got 
for a chum he has been very lucky I think his intended 
chums name is Carter he is deaf of one ear but he is a good 
scholar and a clever fellow I believe. * * * * 



Worcester 27th June 1814 
Dear Stephen, 

I send you by Mr Gates a new Gown^^ which I have made 
for you, when you have try'd it, you must let me know how 
it suits you, and also how the new pair of white Cotton Socks 
fit you. I have sent some pieces of your Blue Cassimere 
pantaloons to mend them with, get some person to do them, 
who will do them neatly. I am sorry if you cannot find a 
Chum in your own Class, I would not have you get one in 
a lower Class, has Thompson got a Chum? * * * * 
in great haste your Affectionate 
Mother 

E. Salisbury. 



Worcester July 22, 1814 
My dear son - 

Yesterday I rec^ your Letter by the mail inclosing your 
Quarterly Bill, which I shall send you the money to discharge 
had you copied the Qterly Bill, in your Letter, I should not 
have had to pay double postage for that Letter - You will 
remember for the futher - that every Scrap of paper you 
enclose in a Letter pays 10 C*^ postage in addition to postage 
of the Letter itself. 



1^ A clause in the College Laws (1807) explains the use of the word "gown " in theee 
letters: — 

"All the Undergraduates shall be clothed in coats of blue grey, or of dark blue, or 
of black. And no Student shall appear within the limits of the College or town of 
Cambridge in a coat of any other color, unless he shall have on a night gown, or, in 
stormy or cold weather, an outside garment over his coat. Nor shall a surtout, or 
any outside garment of any other color than a blue grey, or dark blue, or black, be 
substituted for the uniform coat. But the Students are permitted to wear black 
gowns, in which they may appear on all public occasions. They shall not wear gold 
or silver lace, cord, or edging upon their hats, waistcoats, or any other parts of their 
clothing. And whosoever shall violate any of these regulations shall be fined a sum 
not less than eighty cents, nor more than one dollar and sixty cents, for each ofifence; 
and if any one persist in such violation, he shall be subject to higher censures." 



23 

I have repeatedly told you to apply to your Uncle 
Joseph and Cousin Josiah, for any advise you might at any 
time stand in need of - that you would find them always 
willing to befriend you they are both acquainted with the 
Rules & regulations of the College, the advantage or disad- 
vantage that attends having a Room in College and boarding 
out - In selecting your Chum, you will have a Regard to liis 
general Character, both as a friend & Scholar. You must 
attend also to have a comfortable Room - dont fail to Ask 
their Opinion upon every Occation that concerns you, and 
acquaint me at the same time — -I do hope & Expect you 
will get through the freshman year without a fine - and that 
you will Endeavour to be able to pass through College not 
only without a Censure but with applause - 

Your Affectionate father 

Stephen Salisbury 

I have enclosed your Quarterly Bill & 17 Boston Bills 
to discharge the same, the 33 Cents you will receive in Change 
you will account for in Account of your Expences - wont 
you ask M'' Gannett how to happens that his Quarterly Bill 
Ends at the commencement of the Quarter — when you pay 
him he will receipt on the Bill which you will take care of 
and return me by a private safe hand or bring up with you 
at the Vacancy. ^^ 



Cambridge August 15*^ 1814 
Dear Mother 

I dont know how it is but I have not recieved answers 
to my last letters I am afraid they have been miscarried, 
as I had petitioned for a room with P the only way I could 
do was to room out, therefore I ask'd Capt Dana if I could 
have his room on the second story it has a bed room to it, 
and it is a good light room; now the only thing to do is to 
determine whether to chum alone or with a next years 
freshman ; you [know] how it is when you have a chum, you 



^^ There were three vacations during the year: - Four weeks from Commencement 
(the fourth Wednesday in August); seven weeks from the fourth Wednesday in Decem- 
ber; and two weeks from the third Wednesday in May. 



24 

cannot always think alike or feel alike, when one wants 
to study the other will want to talk even when both want 
to study, when sitting together, they have strong tempta- 
tions to begin to talk, and sometimes when one wants to 
study or write (as now it is the case) the other will bring 
in company and disturb the one who is writting, and when 
a person rooms alone, he is at ease and can have company 
when he pleases, will you please to send me an answer by the 
next mail, and Mama will you tell me whether I may stay 
to commencement or not (we are allowed to go away the 
friday before) you know I have never seen one. if you 
permit me to stay will you please to send me five dollars 
more Please to give my respects to my Father 
In Health, I am, Your dutiful son, 

Stephen Salisbury J"" 



Cambridge Oct (1814) 
Honored Sir 

I was dissapointed in not recieving an answer to my 
letter. I hope you will excuse my not writing more fre- 
quently, for I have so much to do now I am pressed for 
time for I have (every other day) today to go to writting 
schooll from 8 to 10 after that I have to get 4 pages of Latin 
to recite at quarter past 11 we get out of recitation at 12 
then we dine at one, then after dinner we have to get a 
lesson in Geometry to recite at 4 we are kept in the recitation 
till most 5 then we have prayers and immediately afterwards 
supper and in the evening we have to get 3 or 4 pages of 



Stephen Salisbury Esq^ 

To Luther Dana D*" 
To 12 Weeks board and Diet during Summer Term of CoUedge. For Master Stephen 
Salisbury. (Student) 

@ $4.00 p' Week --- - - - - - - $48.— 

To Room rent in Company with M"^ Bancroft one year @ 60$ p' year. Attendance 
of Chambermaid inclusive _ _ _ half 60 — 30. — 



$78.— 
3<^ Sep' 1814 - 
Received Payment for the Above 
L. Dana 



25 

latin to recite at 6 oclock next morning so you see Sir we 
have full employment. * * * * 

I am Sir, with respect 

Your dutifull Son 

Stephen Salisbury J"" 



Cambridge Nov 3"^^ 1814 
Dear Mother 

I have just recieved your letter and the pail containing 
sheets clothes and paper and quils'. * * * * tuesday was 
exhibition day the performances were in the new Chapel 
Uncle came and after exhibition calld to see me. next 
sabbath we shall attend public worship in the Chapel and a 
church will be organized within the walls of College^^ * * * 

Your dutiful 

Son Stephen Salisbury P 



Worcester Novem'' 4 1814 
Dear Stephen 

I rec^ your several Letters, one of which inclosed your 
first Quarterly Bill, amounting to $15-11 - have here inclosed 
you 2 Boston Bank Bills 10 & 5 $15 00 the odd 11 Cents 
you will make up, and discharge this Bill which is here 
inclosed, have it receipt^ on - take care and return the 
Bill when you come home - 1 sent you this Week by M"" 
Gates, a Quire of Letter Paper and a Bunch Dutch Quils 
- the Week before I sent you a flat Ruler, which I concluded 
you would want - I notice in your Letters you often men- 
tion how hard you have to Study. I hope you do not View 
it as a task - but the most desirable and pleasant amusement, 
and which will reward you for your diligence and perse- 
verence — : Your Affectionate father 

Stephen Salisbury 

^2 Until 1812 the college had held its religious services with the First Parish of 
Cambridge; but in that year the Board of Overseers recommended to the Corpor- 
ation that it would be for the benefit of the students that rehgious instructioii 
should be given within the college. Upon the completion of the chapel in Univer- 
sity Hall, at this time, a separation from the first Parish was effected, and college 
services have been held by the college since. 



26 

My dear Father Cambridge Feby 14 1815 

I dont doubt you have heard of the arrival of his H B M 
Brig Favorite in New York bringing the good news that a 
treaty of peace has been signed by our Commissioners. I 
have not seen the handbill and therefore I cannot say upon 
what terms and indeed I am not certain they are mentioned. 
In Boston they rejoiced as loud as they could by setting all 
the bells to ringing and mounting everything like a gun on 
sledges and carts and firing them in every part; All the 
Independent companies apear'd in uniform to express their 
joy. In College we were not much more moderate, the 
company fired the federal salute; at prayers at night the 
singers sang an anthem and in the evening between the 
hours of 8 and 9 the colleges were briliantly illumined. 
We have had so much rejoicing to do we have hardly got 
settled yet. I never felt so homesick as I have this term. 
I got down Safe at 20 minutes before 3. the passengers 
had agreed not to stop for dinner but three of (us) got some 
pie so that we did very well * * * * 

Your dutiful son 

Stephen J' 



Dear Mother Cambridge Feb^ 14 1815 

I arrived here safe at a little before three oclock. * * * 
Papa will tell you all I know about the peace it realy seems 
too good to be true; I never saw so much confusion any 
time during the war as the people make in rejoicing for the 
peace, what a terrible disapointment it would be if it should 
turn out to be untrue (of which I believe there is no danger) 
or if the President should not ratifie it. When I first heard 
the news I determined to write home immediately but upon 
consideration I thought you would hear sooner by the stage 
than I could get a letter. to you. I like Commons rather 
better than I expected, the coffee (which you know is my 
favorite) is in general as good as M^^ Dana and bread is 
good, the meat tolerable, so that I do very well. * * * * 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen P 



27 

Dear Mother Cambridge July 12 1815 

I received the pail last evening by Mr Gates, and was 
sorry to find I had no letter, Mr G told me the reason you 
did not write. I was very sorry to see 2 pair of nankin 
pantaloons for I dont see how I shall manage to wear them 
all; and by next year they will be so small that I shall be 
obliged to have them peiced and you know how I dislike 
that, it looks very ill; but if they had not been made until 
next year they would have been fitted for my shape and I 
have enough for this season, besi-des them. I did not go 
into town last Saturday because it was so rainy and therefore 
have not seen Uncle and Aunt S since their return. I have 
some thought of going in today for we have nothing to do 
as it is the day for the examination of the senior class. I 
hope you will give up all hopes of my having a part, for I 
am certain I shall not get one I have call on D'" Warren twice 
since you left town but he was out both times. Please to 
give my respects to Papa and love to Eliza I hope I shall 
have a letter from you in the course of the week. 
Believe me 
ever 

Dear Mother 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen .... J"" 

Worcester July 18*^ 1815 
My dear Son, 

I was disappointed that my present to you last week, 
of 2 p"* Nankin pantaloons, were not rec'd with gratitude — 
more especially as they were made of an article which was 
not new, & intended merely for the present season — I hope 
you will acknowledge to me that you have found them very 
comfortable — I wrote you last week by the Mail, you have 
ere now, I trust, ^recoverM your spirits, & entertain great 
hopes of obtaining a part at some future time. Send me 
an account of the examination. I send your Cloaths this 
week by Mr Rice, it is uncertain whether or not he returns 
thr'o Cam — , but you will have your things ready. Mr 



28 

Gates does not go this week. I have sent 4 of your New 
linnen shirts tell me when you have worn them, how you are 
pleas'd, how they fit you. Supposing, as the weather has 
been very warm, that you have worn your Gown, a good 
deal, and of course that it is dirty, I have made you another, 
which I now send, you will return the Green one with your 
Cloaths, & let me know how you like the new one. they 
are picking currants for you, I hope Mr Rice can take them 
have you seen your grand-father lately? I fear he is not 
well, let me know how he was when you were last there. 
Dr Fiske went to Boston this mor'g, but he did not offer 
to take even a letter! write me as much as you can, par- 
ticularly how you enjoy your health, & get on with your 
studies. Your sincere frenid & mother 

Elizabeth Salisbury. 



I am affraid, Dear Mother, that you misunderstood 
what I said about my pantaloons; I am very much obliged 
to you for them but I thought I could do without them this 
season; and I was affraid that if they were made this season, 
they would be too small for next. ******* 
I dont know as our Class will have any parts at all for there 
(is) something like a rebellion on foot now for the govern- 
ment gave us a lesson the day the Seniors left College and 
the Classes heretofore had no recitation. So the Classes 
all of them staid away from recitation. The government 
have fined them all 1 Dollar; and they intend to send away 
some to prevent the like conduct for future; and the students 
talk of going with those, who are sent away; I dont yet know 
how it will terminate ; I shall try to keep out f o mischief .^^ 
* * * * Your dutiful Son 

Stephen 

July 20 1815 

^* " If any Class, or a considerable part of a Class, shall by combination or agreement 
absent themselves from any stated exercise of a Professor or Tutor, it shall be in the 
power of the Professor or Tutor, whose exercise they neglect, to punish each one, so 
absenting himself, by a fine not exceeding one dollar. If the consideration of such 
offence be referred to the whole Immediate Government, and in their judgment a 
pecuniary mulct may be a sufficient punishment, it shall be their power to inflict 
a fine on each offender, not exceeding four dollars. " — College Laws, 1807 



29 

Worcester 25*^ July 1815 
My dear Stephen, 

It was with much sorrow & Anxiety that I rec'd an 
account of the misconduct of the Students in College — most 
happy should I have been to know that you had distinguish'd 
yourself on the occation, by obedience to Government, which 
has without doubt, a right to Institute new rules & regula- 
tions, whenever they judge it proper to do so — this you 
must acknowledge, & also that you have bound yourself 
to be guided & directed by them.- why then my dear did 
you not obey the summons to recitation — were you not 
conscious that you ought so to do? & suppose you were 
the only one, tis magnanimous to dare to do right, & cowardly 
to follow a Multitude to do evil — I know not the particulars, 
you may have more to say in your own vindication than I 
am aware of — I hope so — I trust I shall hear from you 
fully on the subject — tell me my dear how you in particular 
conducted in the affair, & by what motives you were influ- 
enced — I am in hopes you will have a letter ready so as 
not to write in a hurry — **:}:* 

Your Affectionate Mother 

Elizabeth Salisbury 



Dear Mother 

As I did not know what sort of a [letter] I should receive 
from you I could not of course prepare an answer, and indeed 
I did not expect that you would have heard so large an 
account of the disturbance as you did. All, that I can say 
for myself, is, that I did not go in to recite and I did not 
draw the carriage for them I was bathing and that Cousin 
J Salisbury came out to see me and he said he was glad I 
did not go in to recite and that I was away when the carriage 
was drawn; and he observed that I had better [not] oppose 
the students (for jthen I could gain nothing but hatred and 
conyempt) or. the government but take as much as possible 

a neutral part. Two Brothers of the name of went 

into recitation and hoped by that means to gain the favour 
of the College government and the world at the expence of 
the dislike and contempt of their companions, but those 



30 

who are acquainted with the circumstances see plainly 
that their object was to build up their character on fall 
others and their conduct is generally thought to have pro- 
ceeded from other motives than a sense of duty * * * * 

Your dutiful Son 

July 27 1815 Stephen P 

Cambridge 



Cambridge July 27'^ 1815 
Dear Father, 

I believe you heard of the Rebellion from Mr. Brazer, 
and of course it was represented in the most unfavourable 
light ; for Mr J Brazer was very much engaged during the 
whole proceeding. Although the proceedings of the students 
cannot be justified yet a great deal may be said in palliation 
and you would (I do not doubt) have a better opinion of us. 
I can give you a particular history of it when I go home on 
the week before Commencement; but it is impossible to 
give you a correct idea of it in writing. The Government 
of the College were very impolitic in the manner they took 
notice of it, for if they had waited until the next day, and 
then suspended a few, or fined us all, the Students would 
have been quiet; But there are some of the government, 
who think there is no way of restoring order, but by the 
most severe measures; And instead of taking those whose 
general character was bad, they pitched those whose char- 
acter for morals was good, and as for scholarship they were 
among the best of their Classes. This was the reason for 
those irregularities which followed, and I hope it will be 
considered as something of an excuse. And those proceed- 
ings which are considered, (by those who are inclined to 
misrepresent, or whose absence prevented them from know- 
ing the particulars,) as insults to the government, were 
intended merely, as testimonies of the sympathy of the 
whole body of the students, who were the unfortunate 
victims of that punishment which should justly have fallen 
upon us all. I have often heard since, that the President was 
averse to the method adopted by the Government. I went 



31 

lip to him to get permission to stay in town Saturday night, 
and in course of conversation, he said, it was difficult to get 
along with 'three governments, and what else could he mean, 
than that the students were endeavouring to get the power 
in their own hands, and the government were divided. Mr 
Josiah Salisbury, with Mrs S - rode out to see me a day or 
two after the classes missed recitation; I told him the 
story, and how far I was concerned, he said it was well 
that I did not go into recitation, and he was glad I was not 
up at College when they drew the carriage, for it was much 
better not to be in the college yard. I happened to be 

bathing at tha time. The sons of attended 

recitation, and said they did not care for the good opinion 
of the class, but that they would by this means gain the 
favour of government ; but in this it is generally thought they 
will be mistaken, these two, together with a man named 

, and son, were the only persons who went 

to recite. was obliged to go in as he was dependent 

on one of the government for his board, and he would other 
wise be obliged to pay for it himself, which he could but ill 
afford to do. The persons who were rusticated on account 
of the rebellion, were not selected as principals. The names 
of those, who are sent away from our class, are Winthrop, 

our best scholar, Hastings the son of Lawyer H of Mendon, 

who was one of our best scholars, and Fogg w^ho was also 
a good scholar. I have here endeavoured to give you a 
short account of it but there are many things which I cannot 
give in writing, which I will inform you of, when we next 
meet. I am very sorry that this rebellion ever happened; 
but I can find nothing in my conduct as an individual, to 
be sorry for. The President is become still more popular 
among the Students ; He, (and he alone) appeared affected 
when the rustication bills were given. I shall obey you, 
Sir, in all things which you require, and endeavour 
by my behavior,^ to gain the esteem and good will, 
of my instructors and friends. The storm is now quite 
blown over, and all things are as quiet as ever, and indeed 
the opposition to government never was extended farther 
than the first day. You were mistaken, Sir, in supposing, 



32 

that this rebellion originated in a few turbulent men, the 
detennination to miss the recitation was general, and I for 
my part, can not point out any man, or number of men, 
who can be called ring-leaders. 

With respect. Sir, 
Your dutiful Son 

Stephen J' 



Dear Father 

Now is the time for our class to join the company and 
I should think it would be a good time for me to learn to 
train and if I did not belong to College I should soon be 
obliged to come out in the militia, the company is composed 
of our class and the senior and is permitted by the Govern- 
ment of the college. As all my companions belong to it 
and it is a very respectable company as it is better disci- 
plined than the greater part and equal to the best companies 
in Boston. I should like very much to join it. Papa, if 
you would please to give me permission. If you are willing, 
Sir, that I may join, will you please to send me 4 dollars 
to buy me a breast plate gunstrap and cockade. They 
have no uniform but blue coats and white trowsers beside 
the above articles. Will you please Sir to give me an answer, 
immediately on the receipt of this as to my joining the 
company for they have begun to learn the manouvres, and 
I shall be behind hand if I do not begin soon. * * * * 
, With respect 

Harvard University Sir 

August 7*^ 1815 Your dutiful Son 

Stephen J^ 



My dear Mother 

I recieved this morning your letter containing money 
and the other things which you were so kind as to send 

jjjp^ Jjs Jjc Jj« :jc 

We came out in uniform last friday and the Capt 
marched us to Medford and I was not much fatigued We 
returned our guns to the armory the other [day] and I 



33 

suppose that we shall not resume them until next spring. 
In the junior year the officer marks the best themes with 
different marks to designate the different degrees of their 
excellence. Yesterday my first junior theme was returned 
with a mark of approbation of the second order. There 
are only three kinds of mark, of the first kind there were 
five themes. Bancroft had a mark of the first kind. S J 
May had a mark of the same kind as mine. These marks 
are given only to the best 

Ever truly 
Capt Dana's with Respect and affection 
Cambridge Your dutiful Son 
Nov 2 1815 Stephen J! 



Worcester 5*^ Nov' 1815 
Dear Stephen, 

Your letters by Mr. Gates were rec'd. If indeed you 
were not greatly fatigued by your March I am very glad of it. 
A mark of approbation, tho' not of the first order, must I 
should think be encouraging - may it stimulate you my dear 
boy, and excite to greater diligence and application — 
'twoul'd be exceedingly pleasing that you should distinguish 
yourself, we approve of your attending the dancing School, 
only be very careful of coming out warm into the Air. it 
will not I trust break in upon more important exercises - 
you will probably want a pair of Dancing pumps, thick 
Shoes will not be proper to learn in, you can get a pair in 
Boston, but do not go in on purpose, once a week is quite 
often enough to go into Boston, shall write you again soon. 

your Affectionate Mother 

Elizabeth Salisbury. 



Cambridge April 9*^ 1816 
Dear Mother 

I am sorry to plead guilty to your censure but I hope 
that the complete occupation of my time in College duties 
will be some excuse - today for instance I got up at six 
oclock went into prayers and immediately after into recita- 



34 

tion by which were detained till about 7 then we had till 
half after 7 to prepare for breakfast - at nine oclock I had 
to go into french and at half past ten into another recitation 
- we went into lecture at quarter past 11 oclock which 
continued till half past twelve which is commons time after 
which we had a recess till 2 oclock when there was another 
lecture which lasted till three oclock - to which followed 
another recitation at four oclock which closed the labours 
of the day. The reppetition of these exercises is no doubt 
tedious to you, Mama, but how much more so must the 
performance of them. But perhaps tedious is not a proper 
word I meant merely to say fatiguing. These would appear 
sufficient to occupy our time to any reasonable person 
But beside all these the government have seen fit that we 
should attend another course of lecture to begin next week. 
Wednesday is to be the most busy day of the week but there 
is not much difference between the exercises of this day and 
the three first days of the week. * * * * As to my 
studies Mama if my performance of my exercises equalled 
the labour that I bestow on them I think I should do very 
well. * *. * * Your dutiful Son 

Stephen J"^ 



Worcester April 16^^ 1816 
Dear Stephen, 

Your Mother is very glad you can give so good an 
account of this disposition of your time — a good Oeconom- 
ist my dear can find time for all duties, but is it not a new 
thing, your attending the Botanical lectures? If it will be 
of any advantage to you I am glad you do, I should like 
much to have you acquire a taste for Botany, as it would 
be a pleasurable as well as healthful exercize. Your father 
has no recollection of subscribing to the B[otanic] Garden. 
I am concerned least you have no clean linnen to wear, send 
by the bearer all you have dirty. I send you some wick 
yarn, which was forgotten before, also a few Apples, do 
my dear be careful not to break your teeth in eating them. 
* * * * I have several times thought how you made out 
about your Pantaloons, your old Blues must be much worn 



35 

— if you can't do otherwise my son, wear your new Blue 
ones, do not go shabby with sincere & constant prayers 
that you may be virtuous & good, I am your Affectionate 
mother EHzabeth SaHsbury. 



Cambridge June 20 1816 
My Dear Mother 

I do not wonder that you are surprised at silence but 
I hope that business will be a sufficient excuse Beside the 
usual exercises I had an examination a forensic and a decla- 
mation. I appeared very well at examination - better than 
I expected Mr Prescot was the chairman of the examining 
committee and [in] his address to us afterwards he said 
that the fame our class had extended beyond the walls of 
college but that nevertheless that our appearance had 
exceeded expectation. I think I appeared as well as any 
one; this is however no modesty. * * * * As I 
sometimes want something to eat in the evening and at 
other times I thought I would ask you if you would please 
to send me a piece of brown bread sometimes.!! 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen J' 



My Dear Mother 

I have just recieved your kind letter and the fruit you 
were so good to send me. * * * * i^ gave me great 
pleasure Mama to find by your letter that Papa was coming 
down with you as I feared much that he would not. It 
would greatly diminish the pleasure of having a part if my 
parents were not present to hear beside you know Mama 
I am not calculated to make a figure in the world so that 
I must make much of my Collegiate honours. I have 
carried my part to the professor who examines the compo- 
sitions of our class and he said except a few verbal alterations 
he approved of it ; I shall this morning read it to the President 
and I will write you what he says of it I am very much 
obliged to you for your kindness in thinking of those things 
for me which I should not have recollected myself. I 



36 

thought I would mention to you that if you please I should 
like to wear silk stockings at exhibition. The Exhibition-^* 
is a week from next tuesday I hope you will excuse the 
chirography of this letter as I am somewhat hurried at this 
time and I feel solicitous about the presidents opinion of 
my part. * * * * Your dutiful Son 

Stephen S J^ 

PS I have read my part to the President and he 
made no remarks upon it but told me (after his manner) 
"very well." I have read it to one of those who are asso- 
ciated with me and he thought it very good. 
Done at Cambridge with respect 
Cabot Room this 11 Oct Stephen Salisbury 

1816 

^* Public exhibitions were held on the third Tuesday in October; the last Tuesday 
in April; and the Tuesday in the week preceding Commencement. 

OKDER OF PERFORMANCES 



EXHIBITION 

OCTOBER 22, 1816 

1. A Latin Oration, *'De Literis Rerumpublicarum." S. E. SEW ALL. 

2. A Conference, "On the comparative value of Promptness, Prudence and Perse- 
verance, as qualities of the practical man." 

S. SALISBURY, J. D. WELLS & H. PRENTISS. 

3. A Greek Dialogue, "Mercury and Sosia. " Translated from Plautus. 

S. REED & S. BARRETT. 

4. A Forensick Disputation on the question, "Whether a concealed be preferable 
to an open suffrage?" M. ROGERS & C. REED. 

6. An English Dialogue, "Prince Henry and Falstaff, " Selected from Shakespeare. 

W. GODDARD & R. E. ELLIOTT. 

6. A Colloquial Discussion, "On the influence of the multiplication of books upon 
the interests of Science and Literature. " D. G. HATCH & S. J. MAY. 
Musick. 

7. A Latin Dialogue, "Mahomet and Mustapha. " Translated from Johnson's Irene. 

T. M'CULLOCH & J. EVERETT. 

8. A Conference, "On the anxieties of Youth, Manhood and Old Age." 

S. HART, E. A. LUMMUS & B. PERRY. 

9. An English Dissertation, ' ' On the value of the Metaphysical Researches of Locke. " 

A. CUMMINGS. 

10. A Greek Dialogue, "Pierre and Jafiier. " Translated from Otway's Venice 
preserved. C. CHASE & J. FESSENDEN. 

11. Mathematical and Astronomical exercises. 

J. BLANCHARD, D. L. CHILD, C. CUSHING, 
G. EMERSON, R. SCHUYLER & A. WOODS. 

12. An English Oration, "The influence of Enthusiasm on happiness." 

G. BANCROFT. 



37 

Cambridge March 14 1817 
Honoured Father 

Permit to request you to make my acknowledgements 
to my Dear Mother for the kind letter and clothes and the 
apples she was so good to send me. * * * * 

Perhaps I did not express myself in a proper manner 
at any rate you mistook what I said in one of my last letters 
with respect to my want of money. I did not mean to 
trespass on your goodness for any more but only that which 
Mama refunded was very seasonable. That was a sufficiency 
for all known contingencies nor did I then wish or expect 
any more; I use the phrase known contingencies because 
as you will see by my letter by the mail that since that there 
has arisen a demand for money which could not then be 
foreseen and which has given me confidence to make a corre- 
sponding request in that letter which as well as a request 
for apples your generosity has anticipated and thus they 
are made null void and of no effect as the law expresses it. 
The contingency referred to as you will learn by that letter 
is the purchase of a black silk gown which the government 
have advised the students to adopt as their distinguishing 
badge; and it is to be worn only on public occasions. The 
money you were so good to send though before unnecessary 
is now needed and will be devoted to the above mentioned 
contingency. I thank you for your liberality and hope that 
I may regulate my expenditures by your will and endeavour 
to deserve the kindness of my friends * * * * 
From 

Sir Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury Jr 



Cambridge June 26 1817 
My dear Mother. 

I have just received your kind letter and the comfort- 
ables you were so good to send me by Mr Gates Your other 
letter was sent from town in due season I was in town last 
Saturday and found all my friends well but you have no 
doubt heard since. I dined with Uncle Gustavus on fry day 



38 

last when I went in town to an auction and went up stairs 
to see my Aunt. Cousin Francis is very pretty The hand- 
somest infant I think I ever saw that is he looked very fair 
and had some shape to his face I suspect he will not be an 
exception to the long noses of the family. He will be called 
Franciss - I asked Uncle G - something about his son John 
Now dont call him John His name is Francis You know that 
Uncle is sometimes a little Particular I yesterday found 
from his card that Uncle Edward had honoured me with 
a call. You advised me to get thin pantaloons and some 
silk ones for Commencement - 1 thought I would defer 
it till I wrote you. I have thin grey pantaloons you know 
which are quite handsome and this summer will be so cold 
that I shall not probably have need of any I have hardly 
felt a desire for them yet so that if you please I should rather 
not get any this season. I come now to my health it is on 
the whole better I think, I say on the whole, for at present 
I do not feel so well Night before last three or four Class- 
mates called to see me and I got some apples of which I ate 
three thinking that they would probably be good for my 
indigestion, but they proved too cold for my weak stomach I 
had the next morning a heavy oppression it seemed to be in the 
upper of my stomach As I had heard that Dr Warren said 
when he felt an oppression, he found immediate relieve from 
riding & as my stomach felt as though it wanted to be 
shaken down I procured a horse and rode about 2 J miles. 
There is little danger from Cambridge horses that is the 
greater part - for those most commonly worn out by con- 
tinual service I felt very well when I was riding but I found 
my dinner increased my oppression, at night I ate some 
rhubarb and some more this morning. I feel better today 
than yesterday. I have not consulted Dr Warren for it 
is evident that my indisposition proceeds from sedentary 
habits and weakness I have adopted a regimin which 
1 think will cure it I shall study little, eat few vegetables, 
go to bed at ten, get up at six exercise regularly as you may 
suppose I rode clumsily at first when my legs get over their 
chafeing I think I shall try it again. Please to give my 
respect to my Father and tell him how grateful I am for 



39 

his generosity in respect to those books. Our examination 
is a week from next Tuesday and we leave a week after 
that With love to my Cousin I must conclude with respect 
and affection 

Your Son 

Stephen Salisbury J'" 



Worcester 30*^ June 1817 
My dear Stephen, 

I hope you soon got over the effects of your imprudence, 
or error in Judgment, which shall I call it, in eating hard, 
wilted, indigestible Apples, just before going to bed - it 
is a great deal better not to eat anything after tea, I know 
from experience, how is your health at present my Son? 
I am not sorry that you attempted a little ride on Horse- 
back, but I entreat you to be careful to take an old worn 
out Horse, that can but just walk, I mean until you are a 
little accustomed - 1 am not without hope that you will 
have a Horse, I think if you leave College with honor & 
credit, your Father will consider you - 1 feel very anxious 
to have you pass examination well, as I cannot but think 
it will have some influence on the part that will be given you 
- you will probably go into Boston to Celebrate Independence, 
and I hope I may depend on your discretion - do not my 
dear Child forfeit your reputation for that quality, by fatigu- 
ing yourself, or runing any hazards. I had some thought 
of sending you my watch, your Father did not object when 
I spoke of it some time ago, do you wish me to if I have a 
good opportunity. I send you two linnen Shirts this week 
that are pleated nicely, you had 6 linnen ones there before, 
I would have you wear on them now after you have finished 
the Cotton ones which you have there do you not want a 
handsome pair of thin Pantaloons for Commencement? 
I think you will if it is warm, had you not better ask Callen- 
der what will be handsome? if indeed we were sure it would 
be cool weather, well, perhaps it may be left 'till you go 
down to Commencement. I have not heard a word of my 
Father since he left us, a week ago last Saturday, except 



40 

your mentioning in general that our friends were all well, 
you were in town probably last Saturday, how did you find 
him? your Father is still busy, and does not find time to 
write you. he is pretty well, have your Sheets chang'd 
& send home all your cast cloaths. they say there were 
two odd Socks in the wash, be careful to wear mates my Son. 
write me by Gates, and tell me how you do. and if 
the Port wine suits you. 

Your Affectionate mother 

Elizabeth Salisbury. 



July 10 1817 
My dear Mother 

I had the pleasure yesterday after a tedious examination 
^ich I got through very well to find a letter from you and 
some clothes in my room I thank you for your good wishes 
with respect to examination and am happy to say that 
though I was not so fortunate as I have been sometimes I 
think that my appearance will be rather propitious to my 
part if I should have any than the contrary. Our friends 
in town when I last heard of them were uniformly well 
except Grandpapa who has lost his appetite in a great degree 
which when I saw him he seemed to lament as a misfortune 
rather than experience any evil from it. Uncle Joseph and 
Aunt Sarah were at my room on Monday the day the presi- 
dent visited Cambridge^® and they were both well ; by the way 
the visit to the College must have been very pleasing for 
all the marks of attention which were shown him were 
dignified and manly and worthy of the character of gentle- 
men and scholars ; the address of Dr K you will see in news- 
papers; the latin oration by Gushing of whom you have 
heard me speak was remarkable for its purity and classick 
elegance Whether I had better come home or not is a 
question which cannot now be decided it will depend on 
my having a part or not and the nature of the part whether 
it requires study or not. I shall therefore send nothing 



^^ President Monroe, 



41 

home at present. My health is much improved as I am 
not ill troubled with the dyspepsia. 

I will take the liberty My dear Mother to repeat the 
request that I may be excused from getting thin pantaloons 
for I have really no need of them and I wear those which 
I have more because It is a pity to outgrow without wearing 
them than any other reason but if you think it expedient 
may I get kerseymere on the whole I think I should like 
a pair of that description. I shall make my calls in town 
on my friends next Saturday Please to excuse my writing 
more at present as I am already fatigued with long sitting. 
Please to give my love to Eliza and accept assurance 
of the affection and respect of your Son 

Stephen Salisbury Jr 



July 1817 
My Dear Mother 

I have this morning received your letter and those 
clothes you were so kind to send me I was glad to find that 
you were quite well at home. Our Collegiate Course is at 
length finished and I am at present in the character of a 
resident undergraduate subject only to the general regula- 
tions of the college. Last Saturday the parts were declared 
when the Government saw fit to reward my merits with 
the second conference with which I am well satisfied. I 
thought it well to stay here to write my part and beside I 
wished to finish a course of reading which I had not before 
time to compleat. I think I shall stay till next week. 
Yesterday while I was riding on horseback in company with 
some classmates I met Uncle & Aunt Gustavus T — They 
looked in good health and smiled pleasantly but did not 
offer to stop. On monday I went with Grand papa down 
to Nahant; Uncles Joseph & Henry with my Aunts and 
some of the children were of the party we enjoyed the ride - 
spent our time pleasurably there in walking & fishing and 
at the end we found Grand papa much improved in his 
health by the jaunt for he has of late been much afflicted 
by the loss of appetite which was restored by the sea air. 



42 

We there met Mr S Walley and Lady & Mr E. Phillips 
Mr Walley went for the health of his daughter. From Mr 
Phillips I learnt that Uncle Salisbury had not returned 
from Sandwich. I am sorry to say any thing more about 
pantaloons but I must again ask your attention to the sub- 
ject Our Class generally and those with whom I have a 
part in particular have it in contemplation to wear small 
clothes as it will be necessary or perhaps I should say expect- 
ed (and indeed it would not look well to be singular) that 
I should wear them would it not be well to get those instead 
of pantaloons please to let me know by mail before I go 
home. You have heard I presume that Bancroft has the 
second English oration and Perry the first conference. As 
I shall want to use my room at Commencement I think it 
will not be advisable to send my books before then. 

Please to give my respect to my Dear Father and with 
love to Cousin I must conclude with assurance of the affection 
& duty of your Son Stephen Salisbury Jr 

Please to tell Papa that when I wrote my last letter 
I had seen the character of the President in the Papers nor 
should I have attempted to delineate it if I had thought 
that he could get it from another source- 



Worcester July 1817 
My dear Stephen, 

Your letter by yesterdays mail is before me. I am 
sorry you were obliged to write in so great haste, and that 
my advice was so puzling to you, you know that it is impor- 
tant that some provision be made for the Accomodation 
of our friends, and that probably the best rooms will be 
secur'd before we go down, and for that reason I thought 
it best that you should enquire & if possible engage such 
as would answer, but if you cannot effect anything, we 
must do as well as we can when we get there, as it seems 
uncertain when you return home, I have sent you a few 
cloaths, and a pr sheets and Counterpane, which I am sorry 
I did not send before as your bed-Quilt looks so Shabby, 
you will send the Quilt, & as many other things as you please. 



43 

I will send"^oth Kits, now Answer a few questions, are 
you writing your part, what is the subject, are you pleas' d 
with it, and do you think you shall make out well? I am 
sorry my dear that you do not feel quite well, hope you 
lie on your matrass, and use ev'ry precaution, such as avoid- 
ing damp, and ev'g air &c. but I feel most concernd about 
your riding on Horse back, take care not to have a stumbling 
horse, & ride very slowly. 

I do not think you have been very communicative on 
the Subject of Commencement, &'yet you must I think feel 
much interested. I should like to know how the parts are 
distributed, and who will make entertainments, write by 
return of bearer, perhaps you will then be able to say when 
you can return home. I am very happy to hear that my 
father is better for his ride to Nahant. give my respects 
when you see him, as you probably will before you return. 
Ask him, as from yourself, if he shall be willing to take us 
all at Commencement time, as to providing a dinner for 
Comm perhaps it will do to see about that when we go down, 
your Affectionate mother, 

E Salisbury. 



Thursday July 1817 
My Dear Mother 

I suppose that you have seen my letter by Bro*^ Perry 
before this and I hope shall recieve an answer to it before 
this reaches you if you have not yet written I hope you will 
immed on the receipt of this as it is important that I should 
know how large a party you think proper to have I think 
there will be no difficulty in getting college rooms though 
it will be in vain to attempt to get two in the best building. 
I have not heard of any very large entertainment like that 
of Eliot 2 or 3 years ago though I understand there will be 
many small ones The Class in general seems well satisfied 
with the distribution of the parts. Winthrop has the first 
part Bancroft 2" Cushing 3"^ Emerson 4*^ Bulfinch the Poem. 
To me is allotted the second conference in company with 
Emerson 2°^ Green 2°^ Hart The subject is the effects of 



44 

the Peace on the Agriculturist; the mechanick the merchant 
and the professional man. the last of which it is my business 
to investigate I propose to treat it in a manner partly 
historical and partly argumentative giving a view of the 
history of the country and the principal events of it as they 
affect the professions and at last show in what way our pres- 
ent situation is peculiarly favourable to an increase of their 
excellence the subject is a good one but I fear I shall not 
please my self I have had some books to finish before I 
wrote my part so that I have hardly thought of it yet. I 
think I shall remain a fortnight longer You recollect that 
before I had my part with Prentiss and Wells Now Prentiss 
has the 4*^ Conference & Wells the 3*^ If you have not 
answered my last letter, before this you would greatly oblige 
me by writing a line Please to make my respects to my^^ 
Dear Father 

and believe me ever 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury Jr 



^^COMMENCEMENT 

1. A Salutatory Oration in Latin, by Caleb Cushing. 

2. A Conference, "On the pleasxires of the antiquarian, the traveller, the literary 
recluse, and the man of business "-By Daniel Hey ward Brailsford, Samuel 
Brimblecom, Horatio Newhall and Henry Prentiss. 

3. An Oration in Hebrew. "The effect of miracles on the character of the Jews" 
- By James Diman Green. 

4. A Forensick Disputation. "Whether personal interest in a subject of investi- 
gation be favourable to the discovery of truth. " By Micajah Rogers and Caleb 
Reed. 

5. An Oration in French. "The characteristics of Massillon as a pulpit orator." 

By Edwin Fay. 

6. An Essay. "On the progress of the exact sciences in France and England." 
By Appollos Drayton Bates. 

7. A Conference. "On the beneficial effects of mechanicks, chemistry, astronomy 
and agriculture." By Penuel Corbett, John Doane Welles, Jonathan Holmes 
Cobb and Thomas Thompson. 

8. An Oration iij Greek. "On the progress of literature" -By Thomas Carter. 

9. A Colloquial Discussion, "On the good and bad effects of emulation "- By 

Benjamin Fessenden and Robert Schuyler. 

10. A Dialogue in Latin verse, "Athens and Rome" -By Thomas Russell Sullivan 
and Joseph Coolidge. 

11. A Conference, "On the influence of the peace upon the condition of the agri- 
culturist, the manufacturer, the merchant, and the professional man "-By 
Moses Kelly Emerson, John Orne Green, Samuel Hart, and Stephen Salisbury. 

12. A Dissertation, "On the causes which independently of their merit, have con- 
tributed to elevate the ancient classics "-By George Emerson. 



45 

Wednesday even 10 oclock 
My Dear Mother 

I received a letter from you this noon respecting 
commencement and another this evening and now snatch 
up my pen to satisfy any anxiety you may have by informing 
you that all things are in good train and will probably go 
on smoothly soon as I received your letter I rode into 
town and went to Uncle Salisbury who refered me to cousin 
Josiah with whom I arranged the whole matter not only 
what to have for dinner but how the viands should be 
disposed I have provided that if it should rain the tables 
are to be set in Herseys house The invitations are to be 
sent as soon as prepared the form is determined Cousin 
Josiah spoke of dating them from Cambridge would not that 
seem more natural as I shall request an immediate answer 
It is customary untill the number of the company is ascer- 
tained no particular arrangements are to be made Cousin 
Josiah said it would be as well to pass the compliments to 
Mr & Mrs May and Several had I better say young ladies 
I wish to ask your opinion of his Honor W Phillips and lady 
and Miss P Mr & Mrs Walley Mr T Bigelow & lady and Miss 
B Mr & Mrs and Miss Thomass and Mrs & Miss Stanton 



13. A Colloquial Discussion, "On the moral influence of the Christian Sabbath." 
- by Samuel Atkins Elliot and Samuel Joseph May. 

14. A Literary Discussion, "On the alleged improvement in the art of composition 
since the age of Queen Anne, " - By Samuel Edward Sewall and Charles Henry 
Warren. 

15. An Oration in Latin, "On the Roman Character and Institutions, " - By Joseph 
Huntington Jones. 

16. A Conference, "On the views of life, taken by Democritus, Heraclitus, Diogenes, 
and Zeno " - By Edward Augustus Lummus, Jacob Chapin, Baxter Perry and 
Francis Jenks. 

17. A Poem in English, "Nature -the soxu-ce of poetic inspiration. "- By George 
Storer Bulfinch. 

18. A Dialogue, "On the uses and abuses of the press" - By William Seden Hastings 
and Paul Willard. 

19. A Forensic Disputation, "Whether the power of eloquence be diminished by 
the progress of literature and science" -By David Lee Child and Alva Woods. 

20. An Oration in English, "On the dignity and utility of the philosophy of the 
human mind " - By George Bancroft. 

21. A Deliberative. Discussion, "On the expediency of a national university"- 
By Ira Henry Thomas Blanchard and Asa Cummings. 

22. Compositions in English, — By Frederick Hohbs, John Phillips Spooner and 
Robert Folger Walcutt. 

23. An Oration in English, "The aspect of revolutions on the advancement of the 
mind "-By Francis William Winthrop. 



4a 

and had not I better include Miss Gardner at Madame Scots 
If you think of any other Please to name them as well as 
give your opinion of those mentioned above I intend to take 
horse for Chelsea when my part is done which 1 expect will 
be soon perhaps to-night there is not the least need of your 
coming down at present as every thing is fixed Mrs Salis- 
bury senior is indisposed but the rest of the family are well 
as is he who subscribes himself in haste 

But with affection and respect 
I fear I Your dutiful son Stephen Salisbury Jr 

shall loose 
the Mail shall come up next week. 



Thursday Noon 
My Dear Mother 

this morning I received the clothes you were so good 
to send me the foregoing part of this letter was written 
(to be sent last night by the mail) as soon as I had read your 
letter to relieve your anxiety and alter any intentions you 
might have of coming to Boston it would be to no purpose 
as every thing is in preparation except my part which pro- 
gresses slowly I find it very difficult to say anything to the 
purpose in the short space of 3 minutes I have written a 
good deal which I have to cut down some of it very good 
I assure you, it seems some times very hard to leave a 
brilliant figure for no other fault than being joined to a long 
sentence I have been writing some of it this morning with 
more success than common I shall ride this afternoon 
Please to write your opinion of those persons I have men- 
tioned and any others you may think of as soon as you 
receive this I have secured the bargain and only wait to 
know for how many to order preparations when my part 
is done I shall ride to Chelsea I did think of going to day 
but it is thursday Aunt Salisbury has been threatened 
with a fever but is thought out of danger Little Henry 
Bruse is ill with the billions fever I think it is that is not 
thought he can recover I must conclude 

Your dutiful son Stephen Salisbury Jr. 



47 • 

July 13. 

My Dear Mother 

I will confess that I should not have written by the 
hands of my Father but that I have a request to make ; since 
from him you can learn all that a letter would communicate 
more in detail and therefore more to your satisfaction My 
request is that (if it is quite convenient) you would procure 
me something like gingham for a frock coat. You can best 
judge what is most proper; I thought I should not prefer 
a plaid I can have it made here. Eliza tells me you thought 
of getting me a light hat but concluded deferring it until 
I went down; as that is not probable at present will you 
please to procure it and have it sent with the Cloth to W 
& G Tuckerman, where I shall direct a teamster to call for 
it Wednesday morn. The Coat is of less immediate impor- 
tance than the hat as I have my old green gown. I should 
not have troubled you at this time my Dear Mother were 
it not that I shall probably need these things more just now 
than any time through the season if it be necessary to 
line the hat it can be done here The hat I now wear is 
7J inch from the back of the head to the fore part and 6 ^ 
inch across the head. I prefer the wide brim We are 
very sorry to learn as we do incidentally from your letter 
that the burden of nursing Grandpapa devolves on you it 
will certainly be too much for your health. It is strange 
it should be so as it can so easily be altered as the exertion of 
a little persuasion would prevail on Grandpapa to consent 
to an alteration I hope this will be effected that you rest 
yourself from the fatigues of unremitted attention and 
anxiety. My Father will inform you how all things are here 
but it is too near dinner for any thing further from your 
son except the reiterated assurance 

of respect & affection 

Ste Salisbury Jr 



My Dear Father ^^^'^'^^^ (^'^S l^^^) 

I have made many trials to obtain rooms for a dinner 
at Commencement. I have not been successful in finding 



48 

even two rooms in College suitably situated and we should 
want at least four to proceed comfortably. Our family 
is so large that they with a few persons out of it whom you 
would think proper to invite would a company of an hundred 
which is as large a number as you could possibly provide 
seats for in 2 large College rooms and beside these a drawing 
room would be necessary for the company to assemble in 
before, and the ladies to retire to after dinner and another 
room would be wanted to carry the plates &c when the table 
is cleared. 

Thus you see that four rooms are indispensible but I 
find I cannot procure four that are convenient, beside in 
this plan the party would be divided as well as very much 
crowded I thought therefore before I proceeded further 
I would mention another project for your consideration 
which though it is liable to objections is on some accounts 
preferable. I went to see Mr Hersey to see if he had an hall 
and he told me that though he had no single hall he would 
let me have rooms in his house to receive my company and 
set a table on a green field near the house under a tent and 
that he would provide such a dinner as I should require 
for nine shillings a head but I must procure the liquors. 
Now this plan is preferable to the other as we shall have no 
care but to give the orders and there will be no trouble 
about returning the articles I should use as there would if 
I procured a room and a provider. And there is yet another 
advantage the company would sit at one table there would 
not be that division which would be unavoidable in 2 college 
rooms. To be sure the expence is great but not so great 
as the expence of having a dinner provided at rooms that 
I furnish according to the price of Mr Morse who charges 
as little and commonly less than any body else He says $2 
a head; beside his dinner would probably be inferior to the 
other The only objection is that it will appear more showy 
but, at the same time it will be vastly more comfortable 
beside it will save me a great deal of trouble commencement 
day which will be an object as I shall have enough to fatigue 
me beside the place where the table will be set is apart from 
the street and quite out of publick view Such on the whole 



49 

are the advantages of Mr Herseys plan and since I cannot 
get suitable rooms for the other that I think you will prefer 
to adopt the former Please to send me your answer and 
the persons you wish to invite and the form of invitation 
as it is quite time the cards should be given out. If you 
will please to send me a list I will send the invitations. I 
have almost done my part and have little more than abbre- 
viate it. Please to write me by the next mail (it is impor- 
tant I should secure that place) if you approve that plan and 
I see not what else I can do Please my Dear Father to 
present my respects to my Mother and conclude myself 

Your dutiful Son 

Stephen Salisbury J*" 



Unfortunately the letters do not include the Commence- 
ment Day, itself, but we have the invitation, the list of 
guests invited and many of the replies. The invitation, 
unlike those of today, read: — 

Mr* and Mrs. Stephen Salisbary request the 
honor of 

company at Dinner, at the Rooms of their Son, at 
Mr, Hearsey's, in Cambridge, on Commencement 
Day. 

:}:**The favor of an early answer is requested to be left at Mr. Salisbury's 
in Summer-street, Boston 

Worcester, August 1, 1817. 

From the replies these have been selected. 
With their respectfull acknowledgments to M'. & M". 
Salisbury, M^. & M'*^. [Levi] Lincoln regret that indispensable 
avocations must deprive them of the satisfaction of par- 
ticipating personally with M''. Salisbury & his friends, the 
pleasures of a commencement which will place on the 
theatre of the world their promising son 
Tues^ Aug 5*^ a? 



50 

M^ & Mrs Lincoln Jun'. present their most respectful 
acknowledgments to Mr & Mrs Salisbury for their kind, and 
very gratifying invitation to their Sons Commencement. 
Mrs Lincoln will be prevented from attending by her do- 
mestic engagements. Mr Lincoln with great pleasure, will 
participate with his Friends, in the enjoyments of the 
occasion. 
Monday Morning 
August 4 1817 



M'. J[oseph] Allen respectfully acknowledges the honour 
done him by M'^. Salisbury & Lady, in their invitation to 
dine at their Son's rooms on Commencement day. But 
as M'" Allen is one of the board of overseers of the University 
he must deny himself that pleasure ; but will take an oppor- 
tunity after dinner to take a glass of wine at their Son's rooms. 

M^ Allen has been for some time & still is absent from 
home. She will not be able to attend Commencement, 
but will duly appreciate the polite invitation. 
Aug*. 2^. . 



The annexed agreement and bills for the dinner have also 
been preserved. 

Agreement with Jonathan Hearsey 
for an entertainment at cambridge on 
commencement day 
Aug. 27, 1817. 
Mr Hearsey agrees to provide dinner for 100 persons at 
$1.50, — that is the course of meats & that of puddings tarts 
&c, — to be abundant in quantity & to consist of all the 
variety, that can be obtained, of choicest dishes. — Every 
thing to be of the very best quality of its kind. 

Mr. Hearsey will provide likewise the cakes of all sorts 
& all other confectionary & all other articles of whatever 
description that are needed to make an elegant & tasteful 
& good dinner in all respects. He will also provide fruit 
of every variety & in abundance. He will provide especially 
Oranges & Ice Creams. For all of which he is to be paid 



51 

whatever they may cost, he taking all due pains to get them 
at the lowest prices for the best articles of each kind — & 
engages to procure the very best articles and no others. 

He will provide a tent, convenient & commodious for 
dinner party, for which he is to be paid in addition. 

He will provide Waiters, Cooks, Glass & China Ware 
of all sorts & in abundance for a genteel dinner & all furniture 
of every sort & kind at his own cost & expence & risk with- 
out any addition to the above charge of $1.50 each 

Mr Salisbury to provide his own liquors, except Bottled 
Cider which is to be provided by Mr. Hearsey as a part of 
the two first courses. Mr. Hearsey is to take charge of the 
liquors & to return whatever may remain after the enter- 
tainment is finished. 

Mr. Salisbury's company is to have the use exclusively 
of at least four rooms in Mr. Hearsey's house for drawing 
rooms. 

Mr. Hearsey engages that there shall be nothing wanting 
to make the dinner elegant & acceptable in all respects, 
whether expressed or not in this paper. 



Expences to Boston 
From Aug* 24 to Sept 11, 1817. 

paid at Framingham Eaton Bill of fare 5.49 

paid Hack Hire to Cambridge from Boston Store 9. — 



14.79 



paid Bennies Bill for Liquors 79.00 

paid Copenhagen Bill of Cake &c. 97.00 

paid Stephen 4*^ Quarter Bill 63.25 

p^ Codocil to the 4 Q*^^^ Bill to Aug* 27 34 . 62 
p^ Professor Farrer for Room Rent & to y® 

29 Aug* 49.47 

p^ Mary Bell for board to 28 Aug* 12 . 21 

paid Hearsey Bill for Entertainment 228 .47 564 . 02 

paid 5 Tolls 50 C*^ 2.50 

paid Expences to Nahant 6 . 00 



52 



paid for a Box & packing 
paid Russell & Cutler Card Bill 
paid White for Medicine 

did Cash $60. d° d° at Boston $100 
Sept 13 Cash did d° $7.00 



1.50 
5.00 

.67 



160, 

7. 



paid I. Parker Bill of Fare for Dinner & horses 2 . 44 
paid John Cleveland for Wrapper & Rope 5 . 00 
paid for 4 Matts 1.00 

paid at Eaton Bill of fare 7. 90 

paid the Tolls up & down & Horses 2 . 50 



$765.53 



15.67 



167.00 



18.84 



brot down 



14.49 780.02 



Mr Stephen Salisbury to Jonathan Hearsey D''. 
1817 1 To 100 Dinners ------ 



Aug 27 j 



■ ----- - $150. 

20 Doz. Lemmons ------ 10. 

10 lb Almonds ------- 5. 

1 Box raisins . ------ 4. 75 

100 Cigars ..------ 2. 

12 lb Figs -------- 3. 

Pears & Apples ___--_ 2. 25 

Plumbs & currants ----- 1 . 25 

lOMellons -------- 5. 

3 Doz. Oranges - - ----- 3.38 

2 lb S. Candles ------- l. 

1 Loaf Sugar ------- 2.50 

two kinds cake ------- 5. 00 

hire of 8 fruit baskets of M Farnam - 4. 

D"* green baze ------- 4.38 

Man waggon bringing up Liquors - 1 . 50 

keeping 5 Horses ------ 2. 50 

0*^2 Horses ------- l. 



$208.51 



53 



To Lumber for the Tent ----- 23.54 

^' Labour & nails - ------ 14.90 

" to hire of 4 Sails .----- 4. 

'' Man horse & waggon twice to Boston 

to fetch & carry the sails - - 4 . 50 



255.45 
to ice ------------- 1. 



S256.45 
Deduct am* of Bill of Tent &c returned - - - 27.98 



1228.47 



Reed Pay in full Sep 2, 1817 

Jonathan Hearsey 



August 27 - 1817 
Mr S Salisbury 

to A W Coppenhagn 

5 pink Cakes 6 lb each 3/6 17. 50 

ornementing do do 3.50 17.50 

5 plumb Cakes 10 lb each 3/ 25 . 00 

ornementing do do 4 Dol 20.00 

4 1 Quart Molds of ice cream 8. 00 

3 do do in Glasses 6 . 00 

Expence of Caning do 3 . 00 



$97.00 



Reed paym 



A W Coppenhagen 



Messrs S. & S. Salisbury 1 ^ , . i. or -loi^ 

Bot of Thomas Dennie & Son } ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^5 181 / 

3 Doz Madeira Wine - @12/ 36 . 00 

3 Doz. Porter - - - @4/ - - - 12.00 

2 Doz. Claret Wine - - 8/ - - - 16.00 

i Doz Port do - - - - _ _ _ 4.00 



54 

2 Galls Brandy - - - 18/ - - - 6.00 

2 Galls Jamaica Spirit - 10/6 - - - 3.50 

2Bbls@l/6 2Jugs@3/ - - - 1.50 $79.00 



Reed payment in full 

Thomas Dennie & Son 



Stephen Salisbury to the PRESIDENT & FELLOWS of 
Harvard College, Dr. 

To a Codocil to his fourth Quarter Bill, ending June 26, 1817. 
Commons ------------ $16.20 

Sizings - ------------ .30 

Medical Instruction ---------lo. 

Natural History ---------- 

Books ------------- 

Repairs and Sand -----___- 

Assessments for delinquency in payment of 

Quarter Bills ---------- 

Theses and Orders ---------- 1.12 

Fines __----.------- 

Degree and Diploma --------- 7. 00 

34.62 
August 27, 1817 Rec** payment 

Caleb Gannett Coll Steward 



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